The Lesser Kestrel is one of the predators of the Crau Plain Grasshopper. This is why this bird is being studied closely as part of the Life SOS Crau Grasshopper project.
© LPO France
The aim is to identify the risk of predation on the sites where the grasshopper is present and the potential sites for its reintroduction. Depending on the results, the relocation of some of the Lesser Kestrel nesting boxes could be considered, ensuring that there is no negative effect on this protected bird population.
In April and May 2022, 15 falcons were fitted with GPS transmitters to track their movements in the Crau. These transmitters, weighing around 5 grams, were placed on breeding adults at night, without affecting their chances of reproducing success. After a few difficulties (the loss of several tags), a new installation technique was developed by the LPO France, the service provider for this action.
Thus, 8 males and 7 females from 5 sites were successfully equipped.
Since then, these individuals have been monitored once a week at their nesting site, by reading their rings with binoculars. Antennas are used to download the geolocation data stored on the tags.
One of the key actions of the European LIFE SOS Crau Plain Grasshopper project (2021-2025) is the reintroduction of the species to one of the coussouls in the Crau from which it has disappeared in recent decades. After two years of study and ...
The Life SOS Crau Plain Grasshopper project includes the creation of an in situ aviary for rearing the grasshoppers. This required meticulous planning and particular attention to the grasshoppers’ natural environment.
The Conservatoire d’espaces naturels Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, the Parc Animalier de la Barben, and the Citadelle de Besançon are pleased to announce the birth of Primo, a beautiful baby Crau Plain Grasshopper measuring ...
The Crau grasshoppers were busy at the start of the summer! Having become adults within a few weeks timeframe and after undergoing five moults, the grasshoppers from the three breeding stations (La Barben Zoological Park, Besançon Museum ...